Plaza de Mina, a public square located in Cádiz’s historic core, has long been a favorite place with residents and visitors alike. Go for an afternoon stroll in this pleasant, leafy place and buy an ice cream from the store that faces onto the plaza. Take the time to admire the stately buildings that surround the 19th-century square and learn about their significance. Or simply take a seat on one of the ornate benches dotted throughout the space and watch the comings and goings.
The plaza was built on ground originally owned by the Catholic church, but was eventually transferred into public ownership. When it was first created in the mid-19th century it featured a monument to the war hero Espoz y Mina. Subsequent rebuilds saw major changes made to the plaza, however. Visit nowadays and you won’t find any sign of the statue. Although the latest rebuild was in 1991, the plaza still retains its distinctive 19th-century character. Notice how there is no mistaking the historic nature of the stately buildings that surround it.
Seek shelter from the sun beneath the tall palms and other trees that line the paths of the plaza. When you are ready for a change of scenery, walk around the fringes of the park and note the many interesting buildings that encircle the space. Look for the plaque that marks out the birthplace of renowned composer Manuel de Falla.
Find the impressive Museum of Cádiz on the eastern edge of the plaza. Step inside to discover its collections dedicated to fine arts, ethnography and archaeology. Look for the Phoenician sarcophagi that are the pride of the museum.
Walk northeast from the city’s main train station for around 15 minutes and you will get to Plaza de Mina. Its location in the heart of downtown means it is close to many other places of interest, such as Plaza de España, the Convento de San Francisco (Convent of St. Francis) and the port.
